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Author Topic: XLR cable OK very short runs??  (Read 10795 times)

Debbie Dunkley

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XLR cable OK very short runs??
« on: October 02, 2013, 07:59:35 PM »
Trying to save set up and tear down time.
I have 2 stands for my 8 slimpars - 4 each bar. I connect my 4 slimpars on each stand to each other (same stand) with short (2-3ft) DMX cables. I do the same with short mains cords too. I keep the fixtures attached to the T bar and simply attach the T bars to the stands each gig. That way I can transport each bar in guitar cases - saves time connecting to bar each gig.
However, I have been connecting and disconnecting the DMX cables and mains cords each gig because the bars do not fit in the cases with them attached. I want keep them connected though to save even more time.
If I use angled XLRs and angled IECs the bars would fit the cases with cables still attached. However, I don't want to have to make the short patch cables (again) but the only ones I can find already made are XLR audio cables at the length I want ( 2-3 feet) and with angled connectors.
1) Would they be OK in the DMX run at these very short lengths?
2) Does anyone know where I could very short mains cords with angled IEC connectors???

Thanks all....
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Rob Spence

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2013, 10:23:13 PM »
If you used Neutric XLRs, you can perhaps replace the shell with a right angle.


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duane massey

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #2 on: October 03, 2013, 01:17:10 AM »
I doubt very seriously that you will have any issues whatsoever with the audio cables.
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Duane Massey
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Debbie Dunkley

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #3 on: October 03, 2013, 08:53:04 AM »
Quote from: Rob Spence on October 02, 2013, 10:23:13 PM
If you used Neutric XLRs, you can perhaps replace the shell with a right angle.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Hi Rob... not Neutrik I'm afraid this time. All my audio connectors are but not my DMX  - Will replace slowly though. I might get Neutrik 90 degree connectors and solder them myself but I was trying to save some time for now.
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Debbie Dunkley

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #4 on: October 03, 2013, 08:54:41 AM »
Quote from: duane massey on October 03, 2013, 01:17:10 AM
I doubt very seriously that you will have any issues whatsoever with the audio cables.

That is what I thought. I'll probably just get them and try them out. They'll either work or they won't...
Thanks for the response.
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Paul G. OBrien

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #5 on: October 04, 2013, 10:17:01 PM »
FWIW I regularly run a pair of light trees on 50ft of mic cable and have run DMX down a 150ft snake with another 50ft of mic cable on the other end.. all with no problems.
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Rob Gow

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2013, 12:40:24 PM »
I'm in the middle of nowhere, so at the time, I sacrificed a 50' XLR or 2 to make all my short run lighting cables. I haven't had any issues yet. I've since bought a couple 50' proper DMX cables that I will turn into short run cables one of these days, when I get the time.


One of these days.

;)
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Shawn Keck

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2013, 06:06:31 PM »
It is a impedance issue between true DMX and XLR audio cable, it will probably work "most" of the time...it also follows under the 90/10 rule...it technically requires a different impedance cable but XLR cable will work as DMX cable 90% of the time. It will only become an issue over distance or devices that need a lot of information.

Now with that said, I run my DMX LED pars on XLR 90% of the time and haven't ever had a problem. When we move to the intelligent lighting world, it is strictly DMX.
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Jamin Lynch

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #8 on: October 12, 2013, 10:50:06 AM »
Quote from: Debbie Dunkley on October 02, 2013, 07:59:35 PM
Trying to save set up and tear down time.
I have 2 stands for my 8 slimpars - 4 each bar. I connect my 4 slimpars on each stand to each other (same stand) with short (2-3ft) DMX cables. I do the same with short mains cords too. I keep the fixtures attached to the T bar and simply attach the T bars to the stands each gig. That way I can transport each bar in guitar cases - saves time connecting to bar each gig.
However, I have been connecting and disconnecting the DMX cables and mains cords each gig because the bars do not fit in the cases with them attached. I want keep them connected though to save even more time.
If I use angled XLRs and angled IECs the bars would fit the cases with cables still attached. However, I don't want to have to make the short patch cables (again) but the only ones I can find already made are XLR audio cables at the length I want ( 2-3 feet) and with angled connectors.
1) Would they be OK in the DMX run at these very short lengths?
2) Does anyone know where I could very short mains cords with angled IEC connectors???

Thanks all....

http://www.hosatech.com/product/68509/PWC-143R/_/Power_Cord%2C_Right-angle_IEC_C13_to_NEMA_5-15P%2C_3_ft
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Debbie Dunkley

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2013, 10:47:46 PM »
Well, I ordered the xlr (non DMX) cables and I'll give it a go. I'll keep my short DMX patch cables with me so if I have any issues I can switch them out.
Jamin, thank you for the link. I was hoping to find an iec cable with both the iec end and the NEMA end angled otherwise  I still have to unplug the NEMA end to make the lights fit into the case. In the absence of one like that, I'll get one like the one you posted the link to and unplug just one end of each cord. Not a big deal.
Thank you for all your responses.
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John Fruits

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #10 on: October 14, 2013, 06:15:56 AM »
How about this from SFCable:
http://www.sfcable.com/P7CR-RR03.html
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Debbie Dunkley

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #11 on: October 15, 2013, 08:01:49 PM »
Quote from: John Fruits on October 14, 2013, 06:15:56 AM
How about this from SFCable:
http://www.sfcable.com/P7CR-RR03.html

Checked it out and thought I had found what I needed TILL I realized that the angled NEMA connector when in place would block the IEC socket. The lighting fixture has an input above an output  and the output is configured with the earth pin at the top. I have considered turning the input round 180 degrees which would do the trick but till I open it up I'm not sure if that is doable or not....Thank you for the link..
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John Fruits

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #12 on: October 16, 2013, 05:23:53 AM »
Okay, how about this from StayOnline.com:  http://www.stayonline.com/custom_power_cords.aspx
It took a bit of searching but the Nema 5-15 angle plug can be found left/right/up and down style.  One of those might work.  I don't know if my selections on the linked web page will show but I looked at
Male connector-NEMA 5-15 angled left
Female connector-IEC60320 C13 right
Length and cable-3 feet and 9002 SJT 14awg
which gave me a stock cable available for $ 7.00
The price for custom assembled with different options ended up costing $ 42.00 each. 
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"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.  There's also a negative side."-Hunter S. Thompson

Debbie Dunkley

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #13 on: October 16, 2013, 12:53:38 PM »
Quote from: John Fruits on October 16, 2013, 05:23:53 AM
Okay, how about this from StayOnline.com:  http://www.stayonline.com/custom_power_cords.aspx
It took a bit of searching but the Nema 5-15 angle plug can be found left/right/up and down style.  One of those might work.  I don't know if my selections on the linked web page will show but I looked at
Male connector-NEMA 5-15 angled left
Female connector-IEC60320 C13 right
Length and cable-3 feet and 9002 SJT 14awg
which gave me a stock cable available for $ 7.00
The price for custom assembled with different options ended up costing $ 42.00 each.

Hey John...You found it!! Thank you so much. They seem to offer just about any configuration there is. What a great resource... I appreciate your help.
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John Fruits

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Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #14 on: October 16, 2013, 01:10:09 PM »
The only tricky part is checking if you need angled left or right.  I was amazed that the 14 awg wire was in stock and the cheapest option.  I found that company thru google while I was looking for another company which I think was in Missouri and made custom Edison to IEC cables in house.  Never found them.
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"The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.  There's also a negative side."-Hunter S. Thompson

ProSoundWeb Community

Re: XLR cable OK very short runs??
« Reply #14 on: October 16, 2013, 01:10:09 PM »

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